Telephone-call recorder



Feb. 24, 1931.

R. TILDEN ET AL 93,761

TELEPHONE CALL RECORDER Filed July 1 1925 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 v ATTORNEYFeb. 24, 1931. R T|| DEN ET L 1,793,761

TELEPHONE CALL RECORDER Filed July 1 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 R0565Y'Zldafi/ WVEN O S 1720 7364. mum

642%; ATTORNEY Feb. 24, 1931. R. TILDEN ET AL TELEPHONE CALL RECORDER 3Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 1 1925 FIG. 3.

F/G. (A

Patented Feb. 24, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ROBBINS TILDEN ANDTHOMAS A. TILDEN, OF HIGH POIlTT, I TORTH CAROLINA TELEPHONE-CALLnncoanna Application filed July 1, 1925. Serial No. 40,800.

This invention relates to electric signaling devices and has specialreference to a call recorder whereby one telephone station may call asecond station and record, at the called station an indication, bynumber or otherwise the station which has called and also show the timeeach call is received.

In other words, the invention embodies means for receiving and making apermam nent record at a telephone station of the calls received fromother stations and also indi forms of impulse transmitters, senders orcircuit breakers on telephone stations for setting up and operatingapparatus in a proper manner for connecting one station with any otherstation in the exchange or system, automatically, without the aid ofhuman operators.

The purpose of the invention is' to enable a telephone subscriber orstation to call any other telephone subscriber or station in thatparticular city or system and register at the called station, the numberof the station calling. The device is preferably connected in parallelwith the users telephone as an extension, and using the same line asthat connected to the regular or main station.

The principle involved is to indicate on a suitable surface such as astrip of paper an impression disclosing, upon the receipt of a telephonecall, the number or other characteristic of the calling station and thetime at which same was received. For instance, the telephone number ofthe calling station may be actually and automatically printed in theform of figures or letters. These characters may either form the numberof a vbe in the form of Roman numerals or code indications. These codeindications may, in some instances, be in the form of dots, or dots anddashes.

For instance, the arrangement may be such that a telephone numbered34:52 calling a station equipped with the device described herein willregister on a strip or ribbonof paper the number just as written aboveand will also show the time said number was registered. Also the devicemay be arranged for coding these numbers as by three dots, a space, fourdots, a space, five dots, a space and two dots. Obviously the lattermethod requires more time for interpreting the number and preferably theformer printing method will be used.

The device is applicable to individual or party lines. To use on a partyline employ- 7 ing harmonic bells, the relay A would be such as wouldrespond only to a particular frequency ringing current. This relay couldalso be connected from either side of line to ground. Long distanceoperators in the central oflice, or any other particular oper ator,employee or ofiicial of the telephone company would register theirnumber by the machine as in the same case of any regular callingtelephone station. It could also be 80. used in private systems, andcould be used to replace complaint operators Whose duties are to recordtelephones in trouble as subscribers report them.

The invention employs peculiar circuit arrangements which involve slightchanges in the circuit of certain equipment (connectors) of the Strowgerautomatic equipment and also of similar changes in other types ofautomatic' machine switching equipment. However, the changes made do notimpair in the slightest degree the successful operation of suchequipments nor doesit take away any of its particular features orimprovements; nor do these minor changes effect transmission over itscircuit, or complicate it to any appreciable extent. Such minor changesto be made by the operating telephone company only in the group orgroups having access to say, it is not necessary to keep thedeviceconstantly connected in the line if the subscriber does not wishto do so. He may, by a suitable switch, connect the device for servicewhen he leaves his office or house and during his presence at suchoffice or house may v disconnect the same.

There is also provided an arrangement whereby the'subscriber at whosetelephone this device is connected, may by means of a switch accessibleto five contacts, allow his telephone bells to ring from one to fivetimes before this device cuts off the ringing current and actuallyconnects itself and is in readiness to record the calling telephonenumber. This arrangement gives the party that has a machine of this kinda chance to answer his telephone if he is in proximity, before thisdevice actually connects itself with the line.

Business men in their oflices, and any other class of men and womenanywhere, may leave their oflices or other places equipped with thisprove and simplify the wiring of such a device; to provide an improvedmeans in adevice of this character for effecting the pr1nting of thenumbers of the calling stations and the time that such calls arereceived; and in general to provide a comparatively simple and highlyefficient device; indicating on a permanent record the numbers of thestations calling any particular subscriber at his station and the timeof such calls.

WVith the above and other objects in view as will be hereinafterapparent, the invention consists in general of certain novel details ofconstruction and combination of parts hereinafter fully described,illustrated in the accompanying drawings and specifically claimed;

In the accompanying drawings like charactors of reference indicate likeparts in the ture 22.

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view of the remainder of such apparatus.

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic View of a polarized relay which may be usedfor releasing the device and Figure 4 is an enlarged detail of a specialrelay used in this ap aratus.

In carrying out the objects of this invention there is provided anordinary double pole switch or key 10 to which is connected the linewires 11 and 12 leading to the particular subscribers station. Thetelephone instruments themselves are not here shown as they do not enterdirectly into the invention, although certain parts of such instrumentsdo co-opcrate with the invention, but as these parts are of well knownforms it has not been deemed necessary to show drawings thereof, theshowing being restricted to a diagrammatic illustration but the platenand numbering wheels co-operating therewith are regularly illustrated.From this switch 10 leads a wire 13 which is connected to a condenser 14and similarly there leads from the switch a second wire 15 which isconnected to one terminal of the winding of a relay coil 16, the otherterminal of said relay coil being connected by a wire 17 with acondenser 18, connected by a wire 19 with the condenser 14. Also thereis provided a second relay coil 20 having one terminal of its windingconnected by a wire 21 with the condenser 14 and the other terminalconnected to the wire 17 The two coils 16 and 20 are arranged side byside and serve when energized to attract an arma- To this armature isconnected a wire 23 which is connected to a contact 23' on springassembly 119. At 24 is a contact where the armature 22 makes connectionupon energization of the magnets 16 and 20 or either of them. Thiscontact 24 is connected by a wire 25 to one terminal of the winding of arelay coil 26, a wire 27 connecting the other terminal of said relaycoil to battery 28. This coil 26 is provided with an armature 29normally held away from the magnet by a spring 30 against stop 31 andthis armature carries a spring drawn pawl 32 guided by guide 33 whichoperates on a ratchet wheel 34 so that each time the magnet 26 isenergized the armature 29 is attracted and the wheel 34 caused to rotateone step. The ratchet wheel 34 is urged backward against such rotationby a spring 35 and a stop pawl 36 is provided to releasably restrain thewheel from such backward rotation. This stop pawl 36 constitutes thearmature of a magnet 37 which has one terminal of its winding connectedby a wire 38 with battery 39. Fixed to the wheel 34 is a wiper arm 40which is arranged, when the holding pawl 36 is moved to release thewheel, to rest against a stop 41 thus limiting'the backward movement ofsaid wheel. The holding pawl 36 is held in normal position against stop42 by the tension of spring 43. A wire 44 connects the wiper arm 40 withthe wire 15 and the arm constitutes a contact wiper arm which traversesan arcuate series of spaced contact points 45, 46, 47, 48, 49; asuitable stop 50 being provided at the end of the seriesto limit therotation of the wheel in a forward direction. The contacts 45, 46, 47,48 and 49 are connected by wires to contacts 51, this last series beingtraversed by a switch arm 52 which is connected by a wire 53 to oneterminal of the winding of a coil 54, the other terminal of the windingof said coil being connected by wire 55 with the wire 13. Also the lastcontact of the series 51 is connected by wire 56 with the wire 53.

The coil 54 is provided with an armature 57 which has ground 58.Normally this armature rests against contact 59 which is connected bywire 60 to an armature 61 arranged to be attracted by a coil 62 whichreceives battery 63. The other end of the relay coil 62 winding isconnected by a wire 64 with a contact 65 which is engaged by thearmature 57 upon energization of the relay coil 54. The armature 61normally lies free from a contact 66 but makes contact upon energizationof the coil 62. The contact 66 is connected by a wire 67 with thewinding of relay coil 68, the other end of this winding being connectedby a wire 69 with a contact on spring assembly 70 which is in turnconnected by make contact and wire 71 to wiper arm 72 of ratchet wheel73. The

- coil 68 is provided with an armature 74 which is pulled away from thecore of coil by spring 75 against stop 76. This armature carries aspring pressed pawl 77 which is so formed as to actuate a ratchet wheel73 upon the coil 68 being de-energized. For this ratchet wheel thereis-provided a retaining pawl 78 which forms the armatureof a coil 79having one end of its winding connected to batter 80.

The other end of the winding of the coil 9 is connected by a wire 81 tothe winding of the coil 37. This retaining pawl 78 is held engaged withratchet wheel 7 3 and against stop 82 by spring 83. There is provided areleasing arm 84 for holding back pawl 77 while armature 78 is heldagainst core of coil 79. Ratchet wheel 73 has a spring 85 for returningits wiper arm 72 to normal position against stop 86. There is alsoprovided a suitable'stop 87 for limiting the selecting movement of wiperarm 72.

The ratchet wheel 73 carries an arm 72 which forms a contact wiper armand traverses a series of arcuate spaced contacts 88 to 91 inclusive.The contacts 88, 89, and 91 are connected by wires 88, 89, 90 and 91with one end of the windings of printing wheel actuating magnets 92, 93,94 and 95, the other ends of the windings of said magnets beingconnected to batteries 96. Each printing wheel actuating magnet isprovided with an armature 97 normally held away from the magnet by aspring 98 against the adjustable stop 99. The armature carries a abearing 103 and is provided with a retaining pawl 104 and the wheels arespring actuated to zero positions. These retaining awls are allconnected by links 105 to a ong armature 106 at each end of which is areleasing magnet 107 and 108. This long armature has guides at 109, 110,111, and thrust bearings at 112, and 113, and is normally held againststops 114 by the tension of springs 115. The releasing magnet 107 hasone terminal of winding connected to battery 116 and the-other terminalto wire 117, through winding of magnet 108, wire 118 to spring contact118 of spring assembly 119.

Adjacent the wheels 102 is a paper carrying platen roller 120 which issupported in suitable bearings formed in the ends of solenoid cores 121.At each end of this roller is a shaft 122 forming the journal formounting the rollervand each of these shafts is pro I vided with avertical and thrust bearing 123 and 124; on this roller platen shaft atcollar. 125 is a spring 126 for holding same against rubber stop 127.This shaft also has a ratchet and cog Wheel arrangement 128 designed tomove over a vertical cog track 129. Thus, when the solenoids 134 and 136are energized, the roller is pulled up towards the wheels 102 but is notrotated as cog wheel 128 slips on the shaft as it travels upward overcog track 129, but on the rollers downward movement the cog wheelcatches in shaft and rotates roller platen. A suitable gripper mechanismis provided so that when the roller platen is pulled down that part ofthe paper strip 131 which has already been printed .upon is released anda fresh grip taken to feed more of the paper from a 'roll (not shown).131A is a metal guide to nected to wire and contact 139. The wire 139 isalso connected by a wire'140 with ground 141. In connection with theroller platen 120 is a strip of metal 142 having saw teeth for tearingoff the paper ribbon after the numbers have been printed. Leading fromthe wire 13 is a wire 143 which is 'connected to a resistance 144 fromwhich extends a wire 1/45 which leads to a contact 146 engageable by anarmature 147 controlled by the relay coil 62. This armature 147 isconnected by a wire 148 with a condenser 149, the other side of which isconnected by a wire 150 with one end, of the winding oit buzzer coil151. The other end of the windin of this coil is connected by a wire 152with attery 153. To the wire 150 is also connected a wire 154 which isconnected to the armature 155 of buzzer J. Normally, this armature restson a contact 156 which is connected by a wire 157 with one end of thewinding of a magnet 158, the other end of said winding leading to acontact 159 over a wire 160. To the wire 157 is also connected a wire161 which leads to a contact 162 which is normally free from an armature163 controlled by the relay coil 62 said armature being connected bywire to ground 164. This armature 163 normally rests on a contact 165,which is connected by a wire 166 with the wire 23. Also there is, forthis armature 163 a second normally free contact 167.which is connectedby a wire 168 with a resistance 169 having its other end connected by aWire 170 with condenser 171.. The other side of this condenser 171 isconnected by wire 172 with the wire'15. The contact 159normally liesfree from connection with armature 173 but is in position to be engagedby this armature 173 and is connected by a wire 174 to battery 175. Alsothis terminal of the battery is connected by wire 176 to one end of thewinding of said relay coil 177, the other end of the winding beingconnected to a contact 178 on which normally rests a contact 179connected by wire 180 with the wire 157..

At 181 is an armature which is controlled by the relay coil 158 andwhich is so arranged as to open the circuit between the contacts 178 and179 upon energization of the relay coil 158. This armature operates aspring thrusted feeder pawl 182 to cause step by step movement of aratchet wheel 183 carrying a pinion 184 which meshes with a gear ofwheel 185, wl'iereon is a pin 186 adapted to move contact arm 187 andclose it against the contact 139, previously described. The armature 181of relay F is held in inoperative position against stop 188 by thetension of spring 189. This contact arm 187 is connected by wire 190with the wire 137 and is held normally against stop 191 by a spring. Awire 192 and contact 192' is connected to the wire 180. Contact 192 isclosed, simultaneously with the closing of the contacts 139 and 187, bythe action of the pin 186.

At each end of the platen roller 120 is a ribbon bobbin 193, aribb0n'194 of the ordinary typewriter character having its ends wound onthese bobbins ;-it is guided and fed in "properposition by two rollers194A at each'end of roller platen 120. Each bobbin or roll 193 hasratchet teeth on its eriphery and is held in its operated position yspring pair of magnets 204 and 205; the other end of 204 winding isconnected by wire 206 with the spring contact 206 of a pair of contac s,the upper contact being indicated at 207. This upper contact 207' isconnected to wire 207 and contact 208, which is the upper contact of apair of contacts, thelower contact being 209 which is connected to wire209, lhence to one winding of magnet 205; branching off from wire 207 isanother wire 210 which'is connected to battery 211.

The contacts 206' and 207', 208 and 209' are losed by plungers 212 whichrest on the rolls of inking ribbon so that whenever, in the courseofoperation, one of these bobbins becomes filled the circuit closercontrolled by the particular plunger'212 is energized and therebyenergizes a respective magnet 204 or 205 which thus shifts an armature213 from one side to the other of the ,pair of magnets 204 or 205. Teawire 118 is connected in multiple a pair of contacts 214 which areadapted to be engaged respectively by contacts 215 lying in the path ofthe armature 213 so that, as this armature is swung from one side to theotherit closes one or the other of these pairs of contacts, each closingpair being made up of one contact 214 and another contact 215. Left handcontact 215 is connected by a wire 216 to the winding of a magnet 217which controls the right hand armature 197, the other end of the windingof this magnet being connected by wire 218 with battery 219. Similarlyone end oi the winding of the other magnet 198 is connected to the righthand contact 215 over wire 2 20, and the other end of this winding isconnected to battery 219 over wire 221. The armature 213' is held in theoperat- 'ed position by springs 222 and 223. Connected to contact 224 ofspring assembly is a wire 224 which leads to ground 225. Contact 224makes with contact 202 by the upward movementof bushing 226 which ismounted on shaft 122 of roller platen. At the other end of this shaft isa bushing 227 for making contacts 23 and 118'.

228 is an eight day clock having suitable gearing connected by rotatableshafts 229 to the wheels'230, 231, 232 and 233. These wheels are causedto turn on an axle 234 by the gear 235 which meshes in the pinionsecured to the rotatable shafts 229. The clock 228 causes wheel 230 tomake a complete revolution every seven days, each day eing moved onenotch or division so as to bring one of the series of abbreviated wordsSum. Mon, Tue., Wed, Thu., Fri. or Sat embossed on the periphery ofwheel, to a printing position immediately over the platen printingroller 120. \Vhcel 231 has twelve figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11 and 12 embossed on the periphery of same and also after each figureas above is the mark similar to a colon. The clock 228 moves this wheel231 one notch or division each hour, or two complete revolutions each 24hour day, and these embossed figures 1' to 12 inclusive are successivelymoved to the printing position immediately over roller printing platen120.

lVheel 232 has twelve sets of two'figures, 00, 05, 10, 15, 20, 25, so,35, 40', 45, and embossed on the periphery of same. The clock 228 movesthis wheel one notch or di vision every five minutes or one completerevolution in one hour, and these embossed figures 00 to 55 inclusiveare successively moved to the printing position immediately over rollerprinting platen 120.

Wheel 233 has embossed on its periphery 4 theletters A. M. and P. M.there being 12 ries 12 sets of the letters P. M.

of each on the entire periphery, or in other words half of the peripheryof wheel 233 carries 12 sets of the letters A. M. and the other half ofthe periphery of this wheel car- This wheel 233 is moved one notch ordivision each hour, or one complete revolution in 24 hours.

Each of these printing wheels 230 to 233 inclusive is provided with aslip gear arrangement, in order that as each wheel is moved on its shaft234 by the gearing associated with clock 228, same is moved one divisionof its periphery surface. For example, wheel 230 is moved a completerevolu tion once per week, or one division per day.

To move the wheel from the positionwhere same would print Sun. to theMon. position would require 24 hours. Instead of wheel moving graduallyduring this entire period it would move one-seventh of its peripherysurface at one instant, each such movement being 24 hours separated fromthe last such movement. The Wheel232 making a complete revolution every12 hours moves, for

example, from 05 to 10 in five minutes, but

such wheel turns from O5 to 10 in an instant.

such instant of time being'five minutes after the last movement of suchwheel-from 00 to 05. Wheels 231 and 233 are providedwith similarmechanism each of the four Wheels thus moving one division at its ownproper instant. It should also be understood that each wheel is gearedto the clock in such view, and would serve as a regular timepiece ifdesired.

There are two methods of restoring the parts of the device to initialposition after each recording operation. Either method may be used,depending upon the type and make of central oifice equipment that thelocal operating telephone company uses. Polarized relay arrangement willoperate upon a reversal of battery when the calling party hangs up hisreceiver, after his own number has been dialled.

The timing release plan as shown on the attached drawings employs atiming arrangement, relay F and G, whereby the calling party will beinstructed to not hang up his telephone receiver until after the audiblebuzzing tone stops.

This timing arrangement, which may be adjusted by different size wheels184 and 185 and different number of cogs, will give ample time for thecalling party to dial his own number, and thenprobably wait a fewseconds afterwards for the tone to cease. The tone ceases when thetiming arrangement has completed its operation and the telephone numberof calling party has been printed.

A second plan of releasing the device, by means of a polarized relay isshown on drawing Fig. 3 and may be preferable in certain exchanges orunder certain conditions.

In this case wire 55 is cut, line end being connected by wire 236 to oneend of relay coil winding 237. The other terminal of this winding beingconnected to one terminal of relay coil winding 238. The other end ofthis winding is connected by wire 239 and to the C relay end of the cutwire 55. 240 is one pole of a permanent magnet. The armature 241 pivotedat 242 carries an insulated bushing 243, and in the position shown inFigure 3 by the dotted lineswill close contact springs 244 and 245, suchcontacts being normally open, when armature 241 is in the position shownby the full closed lines. Contact 244 is connected by wire 246 to wire190-when the polarized relay release plan is used. Contact 245 isconnected by wire 247 to ground 248. Condenser 249 is connected by wire250 to wire 247, and by wire 251 to wire 246. The armature 241 isnormally held away from contacts 244 and 245 by a spring 252.

This device is operated by local battery, a small storage battery, drybattery, a battery lead from central ofiice, volt, A. C. com- .mercialcurrent, or any other source of current, either 14.0. or D. C. may beused by adapting coils of the proper resistance and type. This source ofcurrent can be grounded or insulated as desired. The drawings show oneterminal of battery grounded, which is merely the conventional form.

In case this device is used in cities whose telephone numbers arecomposed partly of letters as HA P 164, this device in its present formas described herein will record. these letters as figures, which uponbeing re-dialled by the user of this device will ring the correct .andsame telephone number as called into it,

The action in a general way from the calling partys telephone, havingautomatic service, is as follows: A persondials the number of thetelephone desired; it the party does not answer in a very short intervalof time a distinctive audible tone will be heard in the receiver ot" thecalling telephone subscribers station, notifying him that the devicedescribed herein has connected itself, and is ready to receive histelephone number and record the same. Without hanging up heimmediately'dials his own number and then waits a few seconds until thetone ceases. He then hangs up the receiver. In certain exchanges whererelease is accomplished by means of a polarized relay as describedherein the calling party would hang up the receiver immediately afterdiallingthei last digit of his own number without waiting for the toneto cease. The calling'party would riodof the ringing current, which inturn operates relay B with its ratchet, arm, and contact points, relay Bmay be set to cut off the ringing current, by switching in impulserepeating relay C, at any desired number of rings by the means of theswitch 52. lVhen relay C is connected to the calling line (after thedesired numbers of rings have occurred) the subscriber will receive adistinctive audible buzzing tone in his receiver, and battery fromcentral ofiice will be flowing through this impulse repeating relay C,so

that by means of a circuit-breaker or calling device the calling partymay transmit a series of electrical impulses over this line (the num--ber of impulses sent out will of course be determined by the number ofthe calling-tele-' phone subscribers station) and this device by meansof a combination of relays, ratchets, registers, magnets, rollers andother stationary and moving parts substantially as described herein,will record in a visible and permanent form on a strip of paper or othersuitable material the number of impulses sent out by the calling orsending telephone which would be the telephone number of the callingsubscriber. As shown in the accompanying drawings these impulses areprinted in the form of figures on a strip of paper by means of an inkribbon, which is automatically-reversible. This printing is done by aseries of wheels that have figures 1 to 0 embossed on their periphery,but any other means of printing, stamping, writing, perforating,-ormarking p, er or other suitable material can be employe by rearrangingthe device slightly. The timing arrangement will cause to be printed theday and hour at which the call was received.

The operation of the device is as follows:

Provided the switch or key 10 is in the op.- erative position connectingthe machine to the telephone line, as-would be the case when the user orusers were away, ringing current from the central office intended tooperate the bells and signal the party desired would come in over wires13 and 15 through condensers 14 and 18, operating relay A during theperiod of the ring. Armature 22 of relay A closes the circuit to relay Bover wire 23, wire 166 contact 165, armature 163 and wire to ground 164.Relay B is supplied battery from 28 over wire 27, and the other end ofthe coil winding of B is connected to contact 24 by wire 25. On accountof the design of relay A and proper adjustment of its armature, thecontact spring will not vibrate with the ringing current but will remainsteadily pulled up. However, should a very low frequency or weak orpeculiar ringing current have a tendency to cause relay A armature tochatter, and thus vibrate contacts 22 and 24; this would not cause relayB armature to chatter, relayB being made slightly slow acting by meansof a copper slug on the heel end of coil or by enclosing the coil with acopper sheath. When B energizes, armature 29 will be pulled away fromits stop 31, and against the tension of spring 30, the ratchet pawl 32being guided by stop 33 and held inwardly by a spring, will engage atooth in the wheel 34 moving the said wheel and contact arm 40 from itsnormal position against stop 41 to first contact 45. The holding catch36, held against stop 42 by the tensionof spring 43 engaging the teethof wheel 34 will catch and hold in the next tooth as contact wiper arm40 connects with first contact 45. Upon the cessation of currentsupplied relay B by armature 22 restoring, after the first ringingimpulse, armature 29 will restore to normal position against its stop.Upon the next ringing impulse received from central otfice the aboveprocss will berepeated and contact wiper arm 40 will be moved to secondcontact 46, and so on until last contact 49 is reached on the fifthringing period, the arm coming to a stop against stop 50. Attached towheel 34 is. a coiled spring 35 under tension to force the wheel 34 andcontact wiper arm 40 against stop 41the nonoperative position.

The user or users of the machine may set A'ClIClUt Wlll now' be formedover wires and 44 to contact wiper arm and to.

whichever one of the wires 45 to 49 the switch 52 is connected with,wire 53 relay coil 54, wire 55, and to wire 13.. This will cut off theringing current and relay coil 54 will energize from central exchangebattery. Relay C will close a circuit to relay D, from ground 58,armature 57 contact 65, wire 64 to relay coil 62 to battery 63.

As relay D energizes it will close a circuit from ground 164, armature163, contact 162 and wire 161 wire 157 contact 156 armature 155 and wire154 to buzzer coil 1 51 wire :5 152 to battery 153, buzzer coil 151 willbe energized by this circuit but its armature 155 will break its owncircuit atcontact 156 as soon as the coil energizes. The armature 155will then restore to make contact with 156 again and it will then buzzso long as re lay D remains energized. This buzzing'will put a clear,easily audible tone on the line back to the calling party over wire 150condenser 149, wire 148, armature 147, contact 146 and wire 145 tonon-inductive resistance 144, wire 143 and wire 13 and back over theother side of the circuit from contact 156 and wire 157, wire 161contact 162 and contact 167, wire 168 to non-inductive resistance 169,wire 170 condenser 171, and wire 172 to line wire 15.

This buzzing tone will be heard in the immediate vicinity of the machineaudible to any one in the room and can be heard in the :5 receiver ofthe calling party, notifying him that the person called is away and themachine is ready to receive his number. Without hanging up he proceedsto dial his own number. Relay D, being slow acting will not release itsarmature as armature 57 on relay C moves back and forth between contacts65 and 59 in accordance with the dial impulses, sent out from thecalling partyscalling device sender or circuit breaker. Slince relay Dwill hold its armature throughout the dialling impulses until therelease of the apparatus, a circuit will be formed, from positivebattery 58, armature 57 contact 59 and wire 60, armature 61, contact 66,Wire 67, relay coil 68, wire 69, contact 69 of spring assembly 70,contact 71' of spring assembly wire 71, wiper arm 72, first contact andwire 88, winding of magnet 92, to battery 96. Relay coil 68 is of lowresistance and slow acting; it will attract and i (I hold its armaturein the energized position as engaged on release of the apparatus.

the first series of impulses from the calling subscribers dial operatesthe armature 57 of relay C, but coil 92 will attract its armature 97 inaccordance with the impulses of'the calling device. If the first figuredialled is 4, then these four impulses our breaks in the line circuit)will cause the first wheel 102 with numbers 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 0,embossed on its periphery to move four notches orto move to a pointwhere the figure 4 is immediately' over roller platen 120. Armature 97is normally held against the adjustable screw stop 99 by the action ofthe sprin 98. It is adjustable in its relation to core 0? coil 92 by theadjustable residual screw. The armature a 97 is pivoted at one end andhas attached a pawl 100 at the other end, capable of rotating the wheel102 on an axis 103 by means of engaging the teeth on hub 101 of wheel102. A holding or releasing pawl 104 engages the 55 same set of teeth onhub 101'to hold wheel in position operated by the armature and pawl, andalso causes wheel 102 to release or return to normal position when pawl104 is held disno As the calling party pulls the dial around to selectthe next digit in his number, and also during any interval of timeelapsing between the selection of digits relay C will hold its armature57 against its make contact 65. 5 The circuit to relay E will thus beopened at contact 59 and relay E during this interval, will release itsarmature 74. The spring 75 will pull armature 74 back against stop 76and the ratchet pawl 77 held to engage the teeth on wheel 73 by a thrustspring, will catch in a tooth in wheel 73 and as armature is drawn backwill turn wheel 73 to cause contact wiper arm 72'to connect with contact89; ratchet wheel 73 is held in operated position by holding catch 78,caused to engage teeth in Wheel 73 by the tension of spring 83. The nextimpulses coming over the line will rotate the number wheel associatedwith printing register 0 and cause it to register the number of impulsesreceived, representing the digit dialled.

As the calling party selects his next digit and as dial is rotatedaround to select such digit by the calling party, relay E releases itsarmature 74 again, its ratchet pawl 77 again moving the wheel 73 and itsassociated contact wiper arm 72 to contact 90. These next impulsescoming over the line will rotate the number wheel associated withprinting register P and cause same to register the number of impulsesreceived according to the digit dialled.

This process of moving wheel 73 by relay coil 68 and of registering thedigit dialled by the calling party by the number wheels continues untilthe last digit of the calling subscribers number is dialled. Thus thenumber of printing wheels required would vary according to the greatestnumber of digits ture 173, contact 159, wire 160,.coil of relay F, wire157, wire 161, contact 162, armature 163, to ground 164. Relay F willattract armature 181 and will break the contacts 178 and 179 opening thecircuit to relay G, which relay being slow acting, will still hold itsarmature for an instant before releasing the circuit to relay F. Relay Gon releasing its .armature will open the circuit to' relay F, which willnot however immediately release due to its being slow acting. When relayF does release its armature, it will close the circuit to relay G atcontacts 178 and 179. Thus these two relays F- and G will alternatelyattract their armatures as long as relay D remains energized. Byadjustment of residual screws, spring tension and length of armaturemovement, these relays may be made to operate at the rate of about 2movements per secondmore or less as desired.

Now as armature 181 is alternately attracted to coil 158 and restoredagainst stop 188 by spring 189, the ratchet pawl 1'82 engages a tooth inwheel'183. Ratchet pawl 182 is pivoted and is held against the teeth inWheel 183 by a coiled thrust spring. Ratchet pawl 182 is moved backwardand forward as relay coil 158 energizes and releases its armature andwill cause wheel 183 to be moved, with each movement of armature 181,from left to right. Wheel 183 has a hub with teeth which engage theteeth on the iperiphery of wheel 185 causing same to'turn rom right toleft. Near the outside edge of wheel 185 is a pin' 186 with insulatedbushing. When wheel 185 has made a complete revolution- (which requiresfrom 15 seconds to a minute as desired according to relay F and Gadjustment, and the ratio of teeth on wheel 183 inside hub to wheel 185periphery, this time interval being adjustable in order that the callingsubscriber may have time to dial from 2 to 10 digits more or less asrequired in his call number according to the size of the exchange) pin186 will lift or move contact arm 187, which is normally held againststop 191 by a spring, and close contacts on spring 139 and 192 andcontact on arm 187. A circuit will then be formed from ground 141, wire140, contact 139 and 187, wire 190 and wire 137 to solenoid coil 136,wire 135, solenoid coil 134, wire 133 to battery 132. G011- denser 138connected by wires 139 and 137 prevent excessive sparking at thesecontacts.

paper 131 the number 0 Solenoid coils 136 and 134 will draw theirplunger shafts 121 upward, drawing printing platen roller 120 and itsassociated apparatus up againstthe number exposed on the number wheelsassociated with registers N, O, P, and Q. This will print on a ribbon ofthe telephone calling this device. 131A is a metal guide open at pointsimmediately under number wheels and timing device. 194 is an ink ribbon,131 is the paper carried-on a roll (not shown). 120 is the platenroller, 130 is a rod running the length of the platen roller and movingwith same when drawn upward or downward, and has rubber rollers to holdpaper against platen roller, and 142 is a strip of metal having sharteeth in order that the paper ribbon may e readily torn oil as desiredby the user. The platen roller 120 on shaft 122 is prevented from havingside play by collars 124 against guide 123 which permits the roller tomove freely upward and downward. The platen roller 120 is normally helddownward against rubber stops 127 by the spring 126 with one endarranged to turn on shaft 122 and the other end held by an adjustablepost. 1

Now as the platen roller 120 is pulled up against the number wheels andtime recording wheels by solenoids U and K, the insulated bushing 226 onend of platen roller axle 122 breaks a circuit at spring assemblyopening the circuit to relay E and the number wheel magnet coil whichwiper contact arm 72 is connected with. This prevents any movement ofthe number wheels on the release of the apparatus as wiper contact arm72 passes over its associated contacts and insures the printing of thecorrect number of the calling partys telephone. At the same time thiscircuit is broken at the spring assembly the contact springs 202 and224' are closed, closing a circuit; from ground 225, wire andcontact224', contact and wire 202, wire 81, magnet 37, Wire 38 tobattery 39; also through wire 81, magnet 79, battery 80. Magnets 37 and39 will energize over this circuit. Magnet 37 will attract armature 36disengaging the holding catch on teeth of wheel 34 and allow samepermitting wiper contact" arm 40 to move back against stop 41. Magnet 79will attract armature 78, normally held against stop 82 by a spring 83releasing wheel 73 and permitting wiper contact arm 72 to take itsnormal position. An L shaped extension of armature 78 will trip pawl 77by means of releasing arm 84. The wiper contact arm 40 now opens thecircuit to relay C, relay C armature 57 opens the circuit to relay D.

Relay D releasing its armature, clears the line of tone connections,opens the circuit to buzzer, the tone on the line ceasing, and opens thecircuit to the relays F and Contact arm 187 still gets current, if pin186 is not, entirely clear of its connection with contact 187. This willfurnish current for an instant 4 after B releases, in order that wheel185 could not stop in such position as to keep closed release and theplaten roller 120 and its assembly will return to. the normal positionby the action of springs 126against rubber stops 127. In releasing, theshaft 122 at-the insulated end 227 will close contacts 23 and 118 for aninstant and then open same again. As contacts 23 and 118 weremomentarily closed on the downward movement of the roller assembly, acircuit was closed as .follows: from ground 164, armature 163, (relay Darmature now being released) contact 165, wire 166, wire 23, contacts 23and 118, wire 118, coil S, wire 117, coil M, wire 116 to battery. CoilsS and M will energize for an instant over this circuit and will drawthe,

armature 106 from its normal osition against stops 114 against springtension 11.5. This will for an instant lift the arms 105 with holdingpawl at end engagin teeth on hub of number wheels. The num er wheelsactuated by coiled springs, will return to normal. Armature 106 movementis limited by stops 114 is prevented from side play b collars 112 and113 against the guides 109 and 111. c

129 is a cog track geared to receive the cogs on cog wheel 128 on axle122. A ratchet inside cog wheel 128 allows cog wheel 128 to turn in cogtrack 129 without moving axle 122 as the axle is drawn upward bysolenoids U and K, but on the return to normal drawn by springs 126fastened to axle by tubular bearing 125, the ratchet in cog wheel 128catches and axle 122 platen roller 120 is rotated and causes paperribbon 131 to be thrust out beyond edge of rollers 130, permitting userto read the numbers printed thereon, and tear same oil against toothedguide 142, as desired.

A circuit is also closed momentarily by 118 and 23 as follows: fromground 164, armature 163, contact 165, wire 166, wire 23, contact 23,contact 118' and wire 118, wire 214' andcontact 214, contact 215, wire216,

coil 217, wire 218, battery 219. Coil 217 will momentarily energize overthis circuit and attract armature 197, normally held against stop 199 byspring 201. Armature 197 has a ratchet pawl 196 attached which is thrustagainst the teeth in wheel 193 by spring, as the armature is drawntoward coil. awl 196 catches a tooth in wheel 193 and moves same spaceof one step, roller and spring '195 catching and holding wheel inoperated position. Pawl 196 of armature 197, is guided out of engagementwith teeth in wheel 193 by an adjustable guide post 200, when y handpair contacts.

same restores by tension of spring 201. The rollers 194A ide the ribbon194 into spools attached to w eels 193. I

The ribbon is reversed as follows: As the ribbon is wound oil one spoolor bobbin onto the other, the spool or bobbin receiving the ribbon willget full and will press against post 212 pushing same against spring 206or 209 depending upon which bobbin is being wound up or unwound. Supposeit is contacts 209 and 208 that are closed, a circuit will be closedfrom battery 211 wire 210, wire 207, contacts 208 and 209, wire 209,coil 205, wire 203, wire 202 and contact 202', contact and wire 224 toground 225. Coil W will energize upon next upward movement of rollerplaten axle bushing 226 over this circuit, and will attract armature213. Armature 213 carries an insulated bushing at one end and is pivotedat other end and is held by s rings 222 and 223 in the positionattracted y the last magnet pull (either V or W), the right handcontacts 214 and 215 will now be closed, opening the left hand pair ofcontacts 214 and 21 5. Coil L will now operate over wires 220 and 221etc., which would now be used to rotate ribbon the other way. If thepost on the bobbin closes contacts 206 and 207 then coil V will attractarmature 213 and close the left hand contacts 214 and 215 and open rightThus the ribbon will automatically reverse itself at intervalswhen thebobbin on one end becomes full it will switch the circuit to operate theratchet 3111 the bobbin at the other end and in turn The clock 228automatically sets the four wheels 230, 231, 232 and 233 according tothe day of week, the hour of the day, the five minute period, andwhether A. M. or P. M. in the manner previously explained. Thus, at thesame instant the telephone number of the calling telephone station wasprinted, the day of the week and the time would be also printed. Thus if2742 called on Wednesday at a quarter past three in the afternoonthemachine would print the following memorandum-27 42 Wed. 3 :15 P. M.

In certain exchanges or at certain times it may be desirable to releasethe apparatus, without reference to time, and allow the calling party tohang up immediately after dialling the last digit of his telephonenumber without waiting for the tone to cease. In this case the releaseof the apparatus will be accomplished by means of a polarized relay X,Y, and when the calling party hangs up a reversal of battery fromcentral oflice operates the armature 241. This relay shown connected bydotted lines on drawing Fig. 4 is connected to the circuit thus: lVire55 is cut, tapping wire 236 to the line side and wire 239 to the O relayside. X and Y are wound as shown on drawing and armature 241 is pivotedat 242 under ermanent magnet 24d and is normally held y spring 252 inposition shown on drawing. When the reversal of batte occurs, thearmature moves to position s own with dotted lines and closes cont 44 d245. A circuit will-now be talc 2 an electro-mechanical switchingtelephone sysformed from ground 248, wire 247, contacts 245 and 244,wire 246, wire 190, wire 137, solenoid U, wire 135, solenoid K, wire 133to battery 132.

This will energize solenoids U and K, drawing the platen roller 120against the number wheels and'printingthe number and time on paper 131,of the calling telephone. A condenser 249, connected by wires 250 and251 to wires 247 and246 respectively, as shown on drawing: preventsexcessive sparking at contacts 244 and .245 on release of armature. Theremainder of the apparatus shown works as stated above except thatrelays F and G and their particular associated equipmentis omitted, andtherefore the description referring to their operation.

The printing wheels operated by coils O, P, and Q are precisel like theone described operated by coil N. he coils are also similar and have thesame relation to their respective printing wheels,

. (These coils. wheels and associated ratchets, stops etc. will vary innumber from two to ten more or less, depending upon the size of thesystem with which the machine will be used. The machine will have anumber wheel for every digit in the greatest digit number having accessto same. Where letters appear in a telephone number these are handled'as are fi uresa letter merely represents and is su stituted for afigure in a number, on account of the greater ease in remembering. Thenumber of wheels, coils, ratchets, etc. needed in the particular machinefor an exchange will also determine the number of contacts to be engagedby contact wiper arm 7 2 operated by-relay E.)

It is obvious that minorchanges may be made in the form and constructionof the invention without departing from the material spirit thereof. Itis not, therefore, desiredto confine the invention ,to the exact formherein shown and described, but it is desired to include all such asproperly come within thescope claimed.

The expression number of the calling telephone station, in the claims,is used as a brief expression to indicate the individual designation ofthe calling station whatever that may be, whether numbers, words,letters, or a combination of any or all of these, or any otherindividual designation that may be chosen.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new, is:

1. The combination with an automatic telephone system, of means operatedby battery current for intelligently recording the number of the callingtelephone station at the called telephone station, and means forinforming the callin station that the called station has a recor ingdevice and that connection is obtained therewith.

2. The combination with an automatic tem, of a device to record thenumber of the calling telephone station at the called telephones'tation,'means o erated by regular exchange battery current orcontrolling the recording device, and means to release such recordingdevice after a predetermined interval of time. p I 3. The combinationwith an automatic electro-mechanical switching telephone system, of adevice to record the number of the calling .telephone station, meanscontrolled b. -the regular exchange battery current at t. 1e calledstation for operating the recording device, and means of audiblyinforming the calling telephone'station that the recording device hasconnected itself and is ready to record the number of the callingstation.

4. The combination with an automatic electro-mechanical switchingtelephone system, of a device to record the character- .ing device ataredetermined interval of time and means tween the central ofiiceapparatus and the number recording device to connect and disconnect therecording device from the line connected with the telephone exchange.

6, The combination with an automatic electro-mechanical switchingtelephone system, of a device to print the number characteristic of thecallingtelephon'e station, means controlled by the ringing current forsetting into operation the printingvdevice, and automatic means forselecting the desired number wheel of. a series and means for selectingthe proper character thereon to register the number of the callingtelephone station.

7. The combination with an automatic electro-mechanical switchingtelephone system, of a device to print the number characteristic of thecalling telephone station at the called telephone station comprising aseries of printing wheels, means for selecting each of the series ofsuch Wheels, and means for controlling the selecting means batterycurrent for setting into operation the printing means.

9. In a device of the character described comprising a calling stationand a called station, recording means at the called station forrecording the number of the calling station, means at the called stationfor repeating regular direct calling impulses from the callin stationfor setting into operation the recor ing means.

10. In a device of the character described comprising a calling stationand a called station, recording means at the called station forrecording the character code of the calling station, means at the calledstation for repeating regular direct calling impulses from the callingstation for setting into operation the recording means, and a time anddate stamp adapted to cooperate with the recording means.

11. In a device of the character described, a recording device, andmeans located at the called station for repeatin the regular directcalling current impulses or setting into operation the recording means.

12. In a device of the character described, a recording-device, andmeans located at the called station for repeating the regular directcalling current impulses for setting into operation the recording means,a signal means for notifying the calling station that the called stationhas the recording device connected thereto.

13. The combination with an automatic electro-mechanical switchingtelephone sys tem, of means for recording the characteristic of thecalling station at the called station, means operated by the ringingcurrent for setting into operation the recording device,

and means for cutting off the ringing current after a predeterminednumber of rings.

14. The combination with an automatic electro-mechanicalswitchingtelephone system, of a recording device, means for operating therecording device, electro-mechanical means controlled by the ringingcurrent for setting into operation the recording device, and a timingarrangement for allowing the proper time for recording the number beforethe number recording device is automatically released.

15. The combination with an automatic electromechanical switchingtelephone sys-,

of the calling station at the called station, means operated by theringing current for setting into operation the recording device, and atimin arrangement for allowing the proper time ior recording the numberbefore it is automatically released.

16. In a device of the character described, a series of printing wheels,independent step by step actuatingmeans for said wheels, eac actuatingmeans including an electromagnet connected to a source of electricenergy, a series of individual contacts, a connection from eachelectromagnet to an individual contact, a step by step mechanism forclosing the circuits successively through the individual contacts, andmeans for controlling the mecha nism operating the printing wheels, saidprinting Wheels and actuating mechanism therefor being located at thecalled station and set into operation by the ringing current.

17. In a device of the character described comprising a recording meansoperated by the regular exchange battery current for recording impulsesof the calling station, and means operated by the ringing current forsetting into operation the recording means.

18. In a device of the character described comprising a recordingmechanism operated by an electrical current, means controlled by theimpulses of the regular exchange battery current for setting intooperation the recording mechanism, and means for recording the impulsestransmitted by the calling station.

19. In a device of the character described, a calling station and acalled station, tele phone number recording mechanism at the calledstation and means operable after a predetermined number of ringingperiods coming in from the exchange for operating the recordingmechanism.

20. The combination-with an automatic electro-mechanical switchingtelephone system of means for recording the number of the callingtelephone station at a called party line station said party line stationbeing of the selective harmonic ringer type, and means for releasing thesaid number record ing device to normal position.

21. In an automatic electro-mechanical switching telephone system, acalling and it called station, a telephone number recorder at the calledstation, means for setting into operation said number recorder after aprede ermined number of ringing periods of central office ringingcurrent, and means for signaling back to the calling station thatoperative connection is set up between same and the number recordingmechanism at the called station.

22.'The combination with the Strowger automatic telephone system, ofmeans operable by the regular exchange battery current for recording thenumber of the calling station at the called telephone station, and atime and date means adapted to cooperate with the recording means andmeans for informing the calling station that the called station has arecording device and that connection is obtained therewith.

23. In a device of the kind described, a se ,ries of printing wheelsmounted for independent rotation, a platen disposed in operativerelation to said printing wheels, step by step actuating devices foreach of said printing wheels, said actuating devices being electricallycontrolled by the regular exchange battery current, an electric selectortrically operated step by step actuating devices for said printingwheels controlled by the regular exchange battery current and means forholding the Wheels set at each step of their rotation by said actuatingdevices, an electric selector mechanism adapted for bringing saidprinting wheels successively into operation, means located at the calledstation for restoring said printing wheels to normal position, an inkribbon interposed between said printing wheels and platen, andelectrically operating means for intermittently feeding the ink ribbonover said platen at predetermined periods.

25. In a device of the kind described, a series of printing wheelsmounted for independent rotation, a platen disposed in operativerelation to said printing wheels and electrically operated step by stepactuating devices for said printing wheels, an electric selectormechanism adapted for bringing said printing wheels successively intooperation, means for restoring said printing wheels to normal position,an ink ribbon interposed beween said printing wheels and platen, andelectrically operated means for intermittently feeding the ink ribbonover said platen and electrically operated means for shifting thedirection of feed of said ink ribbon at predetermined stages in theoperation, all of said electrically operated mechanism being locatedatthe called station and controlled by the regular exchangebatterycurrent. 26. In a device of the kind described, a series ofprinting wheels mounted for independent rotation, a platen disposed inoperative relation to said printing wheels, and electrically operatedstep by step actuating devices for said printing wheels, an electricselector mechanism adapted for bringing said printing wheelssuccessively into operation, means for restoring said printing wheels tonormal position, said platen being a roller platen and means forrotating said platen in one direction during its movement from saidprinting wheels.

27. In a device of the kind described, a series of printing-wheelsmounted for independent rotation, a platen disposed in operativerelation to said printing wheels and electrically operated step by stepactuating devices for said printing wheels, an electric selectormechanism adapted for bringing said printing wheels successively intooperation, means for restoring said printing wheels to normal position,an ink ribbon interposed between said printing wheels and platen,electrically operated means for intermittently feeding the ink ribbonover said platen, said platen being a roller platen, and means forrotating said platen in one direction during its movement from saidprinting wheels.

28. In a device of the kind described, a series of printing wheelsmounted for independent rotation, a platen disposed in operativerelation to said printing wheels and electrically operated step by stepactuating devices for said printing wheels, an electric Selectormechanism adapted for bringing said printing wheels successively intooperation, means or restoring said printing wheels to normal position,an ink ribbon interposed between said printing wheels and platen,electrically operated means for intermittently feeding the ink ribbonover said platen and electrically operated means for shifting thedirection of feed of said ink ribbon at predetermined stages in theoperation, said platen being a roller platen, and means for rotatingsaid platen in one direction during its movement from said printingwheels.

29. In a device of the kind described, a series of printing wheels,independent step by step actuating means for said wheels, each actuatingmeans including an electromagnet connected to a source of electricenergy, a series of individual contacts, a connection from eachelectromagnet to an individual contact, a step by step mechanism forclosing circuits successively through said individlial contacts, aplaten roller arranged in operative relation to said printing wheels andmounted for movement toward and from the printing wheels and rotation inone direction upon movement away from said wheels, and electro-magenticmeans for moving a platen roll contacts, a platen roll arranged inoperative relation to said printing wheels and mounted for movementtoward and from the printing wheels and rotation in one direction uponmovement away from said wheels, electromechanical means for moving theplaten roll toward and from the wheels and means for opening the circuitto said step by step mechanism upon movement of the platen roller towardthe printing wheels, an ink ribbon interposed between said printingwheels and platen, and electrically operated means for intermittentlyfeeding the ink ribbon over said platen.

31. In a device of the kind described, a series of printing wheels,independent step by step actuating means for said wheels, each actuatingmeans including an electromagnet connected to a source of electricenergy, a series of individual contacts, a connection from eachelectromagnet to an individual contact, a step by step mechanism forclosing circuits successively through said individual contacts, a platenroll arranged in operative relation to said printing wheels and mountedfor movement toward and from the printing wheels and rotation in onedirection upon movement away from said wheels, electromechanical meansfor moving the platen roll toward and from opening the circuit to saidstep by step mechanism upon movement of the platen roller toward theprinting wheels, an ink ribbon and electrically operated means forshifting the direction of feed of said ink ribbon at predeterminedstages in the operation.

32. In a device of the kind described, a series of printing wheelsmounted for independent movement, a roller platen movable toward andfrom said printin'gwheels,apaper feed carried by said roller platen, anink ribbon arranged between said roller platen and printing wheels,means to iotate the platen in one direction upon movement away from saidprinting wheels, independent electrically operating step by stemechanism for rotating said printing whee s, means to receive electricalsignal impulses including a series of branch circuit connections and astep by step mechanism for connecting said branch circuit connections toa main circuit, a switch for selecting a predetermined branch circuit, astep by step mechanism operable by connection to the branch circuitselected, relay means for connecting the last mentioned step by stepmechanism to the selected branch circuit, and a selective circuit closeractuated by the last mentioned step by step mechanism and adapted tosuccessively connect the wheel actuating step by step mechanism circuit.

33. In a device of the kind described, a series of printing wheelsmounted for independent movement, a roller platen movable toward andfrom said printing wheels, a paper fecdcarried by said roller platen, anink platen in one direction the wheels and means for pendent movement,

by step mechanism for connecting said,

branch circuit connections to a main circuit, a switch for selecting apredetermined branch circuit, a step by step mechanism operable byconnection to the branch circuit selected, relay means for connectingthe last mentioned step by step mechanism to the selected branchcircuit, a selective circuit closer actuated by the last mentioned stepby step mechanism and adapted to successively connect the wheelactuating step by step mechanism in circuit, and electrically controlledmeans for moving the platen roll toward the wheels.

34. In a device of the kind described, a series of printing wheelsmounted for independent movement, a roller platen movable toward andfrom said printing wheels, a paper feed carried by said roller platen,an ink ribbon arranged between said roller platen and printing wheels,means to rotate the upon movement away from said printing wheels,independent electrically operating step by step mechanism for rotatingsaid printing wheels, means to re ceive electrical signal impulsesincluding a series of branch circuit connections and a step by stepmechanism for connecting said ranch circuit connections to a maincircuit, a switch for selecting a predetermined branch circuit, a stepby step mechanism operable by connection to the branch circuit selected,relay means for connecting the last mentioned step by step mechanism tothe selected branch circuit, a selective circuit closer actuated by thelast mentioned step by step mechanism and adapted to successivelyconnect the wheel actuating step by step mechanism in circuit,electrically controlled means for moving the platen roll toward thewheels, and a relay arranged to break the circuit through the lastmentioned electrically controlled means upon completion of printing.

35. In a device of the kind described, a series of printing wheelsmounted for indea roller platen movable toward and from said printingwheels, a paper feed carried by said roller platen, an ink ribbonarranged between said roller platen and printing Wheels, means to rotatethe platen in one direction upon movement away from said printingwheels, independent electrically operating step by step mechanism forrotating said receive electrical signal impulses including a series ofbranch circuit connections and a step by step mechanism for connectingsaid branch circuit connections to a main clrcuit, a

printing wheels, means to lay means for connecting actuating step by steswitch for selecting a predetermined branch circuit, a step by stepmechanism operable by connection to the branch circuit selected, relaymeans for connecting the last mentioned step by step mechanism to theselected branch circuit, a selective circuit closer actuated by the lastmentioned step by step mechanism and adapted to successively connect thewheel actuating step by ste mechanism in circuit electrically controllemeans, for moving the platen roll toward the wheels, a relay arranged tobreak the circuit through the last mentioned electrically c0ntrolledmeans upon completion of rintin and electrically controlled means ?orfee ing said ribbon across said platen in one direction and the otherselectively.

36. In a device of the kind described a series of printing wheelsmounted for independent movement, a roller platen movable toward andfrom said printing wheels, a paper feed carried by said roller platen,an ink ribbon arranged between said roller platen and printing wheels,means tov rotate the platen in one direction upon movement away fromsaid printing wheels, independent electrically operating step by stepmechanism for rotating said printing wheels, means to receive electricalsi al impulses including a series of branch circuit connections and astepby step mechanism for connecting said branch circuit connections toa main circuit, a switch for selecting a predetermined branch circuit, astep by step mechanism operable by connection to the branch circuitselected, re-

the last mentioned step by step mechanism to the selected branchcircuit, a selective circuit closer actuated by the last mentioned stepby step mechanism and adapted to successively connect the wheelmechanism in circuit, electrically controlle means for moving the platenroll toward the wheels, a relay arranged to break the circuit throughthe last mentioned electrically controlled means upon completion ofprinting, electrically controlled means for feeding sald ribbon acrosssald platen in one direction and the other selectively, and meanscontrolled by the amount of ribbon so fed for reversing the action ofthe electrical feed mechanism.

37. In a device of the kind described, a

series of printing wheels mounted for independent movement, a rollerplaten movable toward and; from said printing wheels, a paper feed.carried by said roller platen, an ink ribbon arranged between saidroller platen and printing wheels, means to rotate the platen in onedirection upon movement away from said printing wheels, independentelectrically' operating step by step mechanism for rotating saidprinting Wheels,

means to receive electrical signal impulses including a series ofbranchcircuit connections and a step by step mechanism for connumber nectingsaidbranch circuit' connections to a main circuit, a switch forselecting a predetermined branch circuit, a step by step mechanismoperable by connection to the branch circuit selected, relay means forconnecting the last mentioned step by step mech anism to the selectedbranch circuit, a selective circuit closeractuated by the last mentioned-stepby step mechanism and'adapted to successively connect thewheel actuating step by step mechanism in circuit, electricallycontrolled meansfo'r moving the platen roll toward the wheels. a relayarranged to break the circuit through the last mentioned electricallycontrolled means upon completion of printing, electrically controlledmeans for feeding said ribbon across said platen in one direction andthe other, and means controlled by the amount of ribbon so fed forreversing the action of the electrical feed mechanism and means to clearthe step by step mechanisms including a circuit adapted to be closed bythe movement of the platen toward the wheels.

38. The combination with an automatic telephone system, of means forrecording the of the calling telephone station at the called telephonestation, said meanslbeing controlled by the regular exchangebatterycurrent, and means for informing the calling station that the calledstation has a recording device and that connection is obtained therewit39. The combination with an electro-me- -ing the said number recordingdevice to normal position.

40. In an electro-mechanical switching telephone system, a callingstation and a called station, means for recording with a series ofcharacter wheels at the called station a plurality of sets of indiciarepresenting the call designation of the calling stations; and means forspacing such sets of indicia in such manner as to distinguish completecall numbers from each other and from single indicia representing aportion of the complete call number.

41. The combination with an electro-mechanical switching \telephonesystem, of

means for recording the characteristic of the calling telephone stationat the called telephone station, relay means at the called station forrepeating the electrical impulses of the regular exchange batteryoperating current originating at the impulse sender of the callingtelephone station, and means for operating the recording mechanism by aseparate source of electric current.

42: Ilhe combination with an electro-mechanical switching telephonesystem, 0

means for recording the characteristic of the calling telephone stationat the called telephone station, relay means at the called station forrepeating the electrical impulses of the regular exchange operatingbattery current originating at the impulse sender of the callingtelephone station and means for audibly signalling the calling stationthat the called station does not answer, and a recording device inreadiness to register the number of the calling station.

43. In an electro-mechanical switching telephone system, means forrecording at the called station any desired number of indiciarepresenting the call designation of the calling station; and means forspacing such sets of indicia in such manner as to distinguish -completecall members from each other and from single indicia representing aportion of the complete call numbers, such calling station being of theregular standard automatictype with dial and employing no specialsending apparatus .in order to record its call designation.

44. The combination with an automatic electro-mechanical switchingtelephone system of a device torecord any number of characters as may berequired to represent the number of the calling telephone station at thecalled telephone station and means operated by regular exchange batteryfor controlling the recording device.

45. In a device of the character described, comprising 'a recordingmeans controlled by the regular exchange battery for recording thenumber characteristic of the calling tele- I phone station at the calledtelephone station,

and a slow-releasing relay means with associated armature for holdingthe recording device in operative position during a series of opencircuit impulses.

46. vThe combination with an automatic telephone system including theusual ringing apparatus and a talking circuit including means producinga series of current impulses 'at the called station upon operation ofthe dial of the calling station after the talking circuit isestablished, of a plurality of printing wheels and means for feeding apaper strip thereby, electro-magnetic means for advancing the printingwheels, and a sequence vancing the printing wheels and a sequence switchacting after a predetermined number of operations of the ringingapparatus to consecutively connect the operating means of the printingwheels to said talking circuit for operation thereby and then force thepaper strip into engagement with the printing wheels and release saidprinting wheels and sequence switch to permit return thereof to normalpositlon'.

48. In a telephone call recorder a series of printing wheels forrecording a telephone number, an operating magnet for each of saidprinting wheels, a relay responsive to controlling impulses, astep-by-step switch controlled by said relay, circuit connections forthe operating magnets of said printing wheels establish the talkingcircuit consecutively completed by the operation of said step-by-stepswitch whereby said magnets are operated by said control relay, 8.

printin magnet for said printing wheels, a

circuit or said printing magnet closed after the printing wheels havebeen operated, a release magnet for said step-by-step swltch, and acircuit for said release magnet controlled by the printing magnet torelease said switch.

In testimony whereof we aflix our signaare ROBBINS TILDEN.

THOMAS A. TILDEN switch acting after 'a predetermined number ofoperations of the rin 'n a aratus to first establish the talkingcii'cuit and then consecutively connect the operating means of theprinting wheels thereto.

47. The combination with an automatic telephone system including theusual ringing apparatus and a talking circuit including means producinga series of current impulses at the called station upon operation of thedial of the calling station after the talking circuit is established, ofa plurality of printing wheels and means for feeding a paper stripthereby, electromagnetic means for ad-

